General News of Monday, 16 July 2012

Source: GNA

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle bemoans petty thievery and corruption in Ghana

Most Reverend Father Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Accra Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, has expressed dissatisfaction about the presence of petty thievery and corruption in Ghana.

“There is petty thievery and corruption in every sector of the Ghanaian society, from schools, hospitals, government sector, security services and even at the market places.

“Teachers are charging fees for extra classes after failing to teach during regular hours; hospital officials are demanding money before attending to patients even in emergency situations, whilst government workers use working hours and resources to perform social functions at the detriment of the nation.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said this in a sermon during a pastoral visit to St Paul Catholic Church at Kpehe in Accra at the weekend.

He noted that many people are ripping the nation of its resources but are the first to demand for fair wages and salaries.

He said truth does not exist in the Ghanaian society anymore, adding that some security personnel can no longer be trusted whilst some traders are deliberately selling expired goods to people just to make profit without any consideration for the health of consumers.

“Truth no longer exists in Ghana and the only solution is for Christians to follow the principles of Christ and be true witnesses of his words.

“As Christians we should be witnesses of Christ and be ready to stand for it even with our life.”

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle urged Christians to be careful of false prophets and ignore their predictions and should rather be firm in Christ.

He observed that every Christian is a prophet, stressing: “A prophet is not only the one who can tell the future, but those who have been possessed to praise God as well as those who have become witnesses of Christ to stand for the truth, speak for the voiceless and seek justice for all.”

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle took the opportunity to confirm 90 people and advised them to go out to the world to spread the word of God.

He said they have been called by God to serve his people.**